My Soul Rejoices

My soul rejoices in my God

This hymn presents Mary's song of praise as paradigmatic for all believers experiencing God's grace and mercy toward the humble. It emphasizes Lutheran themes of justification through God's mighty acts rather than human merit.

History & Background

Written by Arland Hultgren in 2006 as a contemporary English paraphrase of the Magnificat for Lutheran worship. First published in Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006).

Hymnal Appearances

Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 931
Lutheran Service Book — 933

Bulletin Note

Written in 2006 by Arland Hultgren, this hymn transforms Mary's Magnificat into a song for all believers, emphasizing Lutheran themes of justification by grace alone and God's preferential love for the humble.

Preaching Connection

This hymn embodies the Law-Gospel movement: it comforts the lowly with assurance of God's mercy while announcing the reversal of earthly power—a paradigm for how God's Word both consoles and judges.

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From individual humility and blessing (stanzas 1-2) to cosmic reversal of power structures through divine mercy (stanzas 3-4)

Themes

Joy in salvation The Magnificat Mary's faith God's mercy Social justice